Concentration

Chapter 8

Christine smiled at Mike, working with Hannah on her math. She might be a teacher, but math was not her thing, but it was Mike's and Hannah seemed to be enjoying the time with her father. He had always been a good dad. It took her back to years before.

Christine smiled as she watched Mike rocking Katie back and forth. Katie was only eight weeks old and had quickly become their world. She hadn't wanted kids of their own immediately. Wanted to enjoy their freedom for a few years but her birth control hadn't worked due to antibiotics and they had a beautiful baby girl eleven months after their wedding.

"Mike, she's asleep." Christine said. It struck her that it was incredibly sexy—Mike in just his boxers rocking their baby girl to sleep. He laid Katie down in her crib and turned her mobile on. Christine grabbed his hand and pulled him away.

"Did you need something?" Mike asked.

"You could say that." Christine answered before giving Mike a long kiss.

"I see." Mike said.

"We haven't since she was born. I…know I've changed and I can't fit into any of my old lingerie but please?" Christine begged. Mike nodded but shocked her by pulling the over-sized t-shirt over her head. Nursing had not worked for Christine and he immediately went to work on her nipples.

"We'll have to be quiet." Mike told her after she moaned loudly.

"I can't." Christine answered. Mike laid her down on their bed and covered her with the blanket. "What the hell? We don't need this." Christine asked. She started to move the blanket but Mike stopped her.

"I don't want you to see what I'm doing. Just lay back." Mike insisted.

"Not much fun for you." Christine remarked.

"Call it a push present." Mike said. He disappeared under the blanket and Christine immediately groaned as she felt his lips on her skin.

"Fu…" Christine started.

"That's my plan." Mike said from under the blanket.

"What is your plan?" Christine asked.

"I have plans to do some very wicked things to you." Mike answered in a slow draw.

"Well, when you get done, I might just have to return the favor." Christine told him.

Christine wondered if they would ever get back to where they were crazy about each other and had the same passionate relationship. She had been hurt and Mike had been alone for so many years. They might be struggling, but at least Mike was doing well with the girls and the girls were thrilled to be near their father.

That night, as they got ready for bed, Christine watched Mike lay down and begin reading. He was much older, tired-looking and grayer but he was still handsome…or to her, he was. She leaned up and gave him a gentle kiss as she slid a finger into his waistband.

"Hey. What's this?" Mike asked.

"I…this is stupid but I want back what we had years ago. When we first got married. After Katie was born. I want that back so bad." Christine said as she tried to kiss Mike. He stopped her.

"You aren't ready. Its only been a few weeks and you went through so much." Mike said.

"I want this though." Christine argued.

"And I am not telling you no. I am just saying not right now. You need counseling. Hell, I probably do for that matter. And frankly, I want it to be more special." Mike said.

"This is pretty special to me." Christine said. She could tell Mike's body was reacting to her wondering hand and she knew what he liked.

"Christine, no!" Mike insisted, pulling away.

"Why? You said its been years. I would think you would want this." Christine said.

"Because…I do want this with you but I want it to be because you are ready and not terrified. I want it to be special. We were all but separated before. We have things to fix between us before we fall into bed." Mike said.

"Can we just try? If I need to stop, we can." Christine begged.

"I think it might be better if I sleep in the other bedroom." Mike started. He sat up and got out of the bed before Christine could stop him. He left the room and Christine groaned.

She didn't sleep well and one particular nightmare had her waking up terrified that one of the guards had gotten in and killed Mike. She got up and checked on both girls before looking in at him. She decided, in order to sleep without having nightmares, to lay down next to Mike. Hopefully, he wouldn't be angry. He stirred slightly as she laid down next to him. "I was having nightmares. You make me feel safe." Christine told him. She put her head on his chest. He pulled a blanket over her and kissed her head. "Is this okay?" Christine asked.

"Its fine." Mike told her. She turned her face into his chest and felt his heart beating. She might miss the passion from before their marriage had tanked, but this was nice too. The safety, the security, and the love would heal her, she hoped.